The confirmation statement replaced the annual return in 2016. Every UK company and LLP must file one at least once every 12 months, confirming that the information Companies House holds is accurate and up to date.
What Do You Confirm?
- Registered office address
- Director and secretary details
- Share capital and shareholders
- SIC codes (see our SIC codes guide)
- People with Significant Control (PSC) details
- Company trading status
When Is It Due?
First due 12 months after incorporation, then every 12 months from the last filing date. You can file early — this starts a new 12-month clock. The fee is £34 online or £62 by paper.
What Happens If You Do Not File?
Failure to file is a criminal offence. The company and every officer in default can be fined. Prolonged failure may lead to Companies House striking the company off. Check your status on BizLookup.
How to File
- Log into Companies House WebFiling
- Select your company and choose "File confirmation statement"
- Review each section — directors, shareholders, SIC codes, PSCs
- Update any changed details
- Confirm the statement date and pay £34
- Submit — confirmation is usually immediate
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to update PSC details when shareholdings change
- Not updating the SIC code when business activity changes
- Confusing it with annual accounts — they are separate filings
- Assuming your accountant has filed it — always verify on BizLookup
Tips
Set a calendar reminder 11 months after your last filing. File early rather than leaving it to the last minute. If you made changes during the year (directors, shareholders, address), you should have already notified Companies House via separate forms. The confirmation statement then simply confirms everything is current.